1. The goal of this command (1-7)

Paul the apostle was proud of Timothy because Timothy was a man of faith. So, Paul commanded young Timothy to maintain the gospel work in Ephesus. There, some were teaching other doctrines and myths, promoting controversy and division instead of God's work. But it is faith that advances God's work-a work of God, not humans. The goal of a life of faith is love. A life of faith is more than just an intellectual extrapolation of the Bible; it is a relationship with and pursuit of God himself.

2. The law and the gospel (8-11)

The law is good and useful. The law exposes the sinful nature of men who live godless lives. Apart from God, men degenerate into all kinds of depravity. The law also reveals the nature of God. His law reveals his blessed glory. God gave us the gospel as the best revelation of this glory, for he sent Jesus to bear our sins so that we could live lives that conform to the gospel and reveal God's glory.


Application: Lord, thank you for your gospel. Bless me to live by faith in this gospel. Use me to reveal your glory in a sinful world.
One Word: By faith in the gospel